A pipeline company's permit request has sparked a local debate in Prince George. But is this routine or a cause for concern?
The natural gas giant TC Energy is seeking a development variance permit for a significant construction project on 22nd Avenue. This permit, if granted, would allow them to build a substantial office and shop complex, covering a total of 1,622.6 square metres. The site is strategically located near the CN Centre, approximately one kilometre east.
TC Energy owns and operates several pipelines, including the Coastal Gaslink, which plays a vital role in transporting liquified natural gas from Dawson Creek to the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat. The company also has a history in Prince Rupert, where they previously owned the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, now in the hands of the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG since 2024.
Here's where it gets interesting: the proposed development exceeds the city's typical restrictions for office space in the M1: Light Industrial zone. Ordinarily, office and administrative buildings in this zone are limited to 25% of the total gross floor area. However, TC Energy's permit request seeks to increase this allowance to 69.3%, a significant departure from the norm.
The city administration is on board, stating that the development aligns with zoning requirements, and the increase in office space is justified by the property's land use designation in the Official Community Plan. But this interpretation isn't without controversy. Some might argue that bending the rules for a major corporation sets a precedent that could impact future developments and the city's landscape.
The council meeting on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. will be the arena for this discussion, and the public is invited to attend or tune in online via princegeorge.ca. Will the council approve the permit, or will they prioritize maintaining strict adherence to zoning regulations? Stay tuned, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. The outcome could shape the future of Prince George's industrial landscape.
